01-17556. Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plan for Texas: Transportation Control Measures Rule

AGENCY:

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION:

Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:

This action proposes to approve a revision to the Texas State Implementation Plan (SIP) that contains the transportation control measures (TCM) rule. The requirements in the State TCM rule address the roles and responsibilities of the Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO), implementing transportation agencies, and provide a method for substitution of the TCMs without a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision in the nonattainment and maintenance areas. The TCM rule is intended to promote effective implementation of the TCMs, streamline TCM substitution process and approval, and increase interaction between the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) and the MPOs in the air quality-transportation planning process at the local levels.

The EPA is proposing to approve this SIP revision under sections 110(k) and 182 of the Clean Air Act (the Act).

In the Rules and Regulations section of this Federal Register, EPA is approving this TCM SIP as a direct final rule without prior proposal because EPA views this as a noncontroversial revision and anticipates no adverse comment. The EPA has explained its reasons for this approval in the preamble to the direct final rule. If EPA receives no adverse comment, EPA will not take further action on this proposed rule. If EPA receives adverse comment, EPA will withdraw the direct final rule and it will not take effect. The EPA will address all public comments in a subsequent final rule based on this proposed rule. The EPA will not institute a second comment period on this action. Any parties interested in commenting must do so at this time.

DATES:

Written comments must be received by August 15, 2001.

ADDRESSES:

Written comments should be addressed to Mr. Thomas H. Diggs, Chief, Air Planning Section (6PD-L), at the EPA Region 6 Office listed below. Copies of documents relevant to this action are available for public inspection during normal business hours at the following locations. Anyone wanting to examine these documents should make an appointment with the appropriate office at least two working days in advance.

Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6, Air Planning Section (6PD-L), 1445 Ross Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75202.

Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, Office of Air Quality, 12124 Park 35 Circle, Austin, Texas 78753.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Mr. J. Behnam, P.E.; Air Planning Section (6PDL), Multimedia Planning and Permitting Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6, 1445 Ross Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75202, Telephone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

This document concerns the Texas SIP and the transportation control measures rule. For further information, please see the information provided in the direct final action that is located in the Rules and Regulations section of this Federal Register publication.

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.

Dated: June 13, 2001.

Jerry Clifford,

Acting Regional Administrator, Region 6.